From November 21 to 30, 2023, the Joint UN Human Rights Office assessed the dire human rights situation of Sudanese refugees in South Sudan. The report details severe violations amid ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, noting extrajudicial killings, sexual violence, and widespread displacement. Approximately sixty-seven civilians were killed, with significant destruction of properties. The mission calls for urgent international intervention to protect civilians and hold guilty parties accountable.
The Joint UN Human Rights Office conducted an assessment mission to South Sudan from November 21 to 30, 2023, to evaluate the human rights conditions faced by Sudanese refugees. This report details human rights violations stemming from the enduring conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, which has persisted since April 15, 2023. A variety of serious violations observed include indiscriminate attacks leading to civilian casualties, sexual violence, enforced disappearances, and the displacement of vulnerable populations.
Significantly, the report highlights that approximately sixty-seven civilians were killed, predominantly in the Khartoum and Darfur regions, often targeted due to their ethnicity or political affiliations. Civilian properties were systematically attacked; schools, hospitals, and homes suffered from destruction and looting. Furthermore, numerous cases of torture and sexual violence were reported, indicating a grave breach of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. The assessment underscores a troubling trend of impunity as neither side has adhered to the regulations governing the conduct of hostilities.
The mission further elucidated the erosion of state authority, particularly in regions like Darfur and Khartoum, which significantly hinders the capacity to prevent and respond to such egregious violations. This situation increases the vulnerability of civilians, emphasizing an urgent need for international intervention to safeguard human rights in these troubled areas. Ultimately, the report calls for accountability and the protection of civilians, pointing to the critical role of the UN in fostering compliance with international law in conflict zones.
This report serves as an important documentation of the human rights situation concerning Sudanese refugees who have sought safety in South Sudan amid ongoing violence in Sudan. The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has intensified since mid-April 2023, resulting in widespread abuses against civilians. The Joint Human Rights Office’s assessment is aimed at not only documenting these violations but also advocating for better safeguarding of human rights standards during such conflicts. The situation showcases a dire humanitarian crisis, marked by both systematic violence against civilians and significant breaches of international laws that govern armed conflict and the treatment of affected persons. This context is essential for understanding the urgent need for action from the international community concerning peace and security in the region.
The findings from the Joint UN Human Rights Office’s mission illuminate a harrowing reality for Sudanese civilians, characterized by severe human rights violations and a lamentable lack of accountability from the parties involved in the conflict. The substantial number of civilian casualties, in addition to extensive destruction of property and human rights abuses, underscores the urgent need for international action and intervention. Ensuring the protection of vulnerable populations amidst such turmoil remains a top priority for safeguarding human rights and promoting peace in the region.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
